Man jailed for roommate’s ‘gruesome’ murder

A Calgary man will spend at least 12 years in prison before being eligible for parole for the “brutal ... drawn-out and gruesome death” of his roommate.

Lloyd Douglas Bramley, 29, was sentenced Wednesday for the second-degree murder of Genaro Ccopa-Huaman, 38, more than two years ago.

Bramley stabbed Ccopa-Huaman with a screwdriver 48 times in the head and five times in the head, eye and chest after the two men argued.

He was found guilty by a jury last December.

Crown prosecutors Ken McCaffrey and Brittany Ashmore had sought parole ineligibility of 15 years for the slaying, which they said was aggravated by the fact it happened in the victim’s bedroom.

Defence lawyer Jim Lutz argued for the minimum 10 years before his client could seek parole, saying Bramley had no prior record and the tragic incident was a “spontaneous act”. He also said his client could be rehabilitated.

The victim’s parents, who had moved to Canada from Peru with their children, gave victim impact statements detailing their loss.

“We were always together for family reunions and now we have an empty seat at the table,” said mother Yolanda Huaman, “My son’s death has affected me tremendously.

“He was humane, charitable, always helped others. He like to study ... His only mistake was to come here to study a little more English and after three months he experienced this horrible death.”

Genaro Ccopa, the victim’s father, said he and society have lost a special person.

“I’m not seeking revenge from this court, only human justice from this court. Forgiveness comes from God.” he said, directing his comments at Bramley.

“I seek justice because of the damage you have done to my family. You have deprived us of our life with our son.”

Bramley had testified during the trial the victim complained about a loud television and the smell of drug smoke and started a fight when he didn’t respond.

The jury deliberated for less than eight hours over two days before rejecting Bramley’s argument that the slaying at their apartment on Dec. 18, 2011, was in self-defence because of provocation.

The jurors had recommended the parole ineligibility should be more than the minimum 10 years.